The poll findings are said to have come amid frustration among senior cabinet ministers and government advisers at what they see as a lack of a clear American policy on Iraq.

Stress

According to King Abdullah of Jordan, who visited the UK last week, Mr Blair has "tremendous" concerns about the impact a war could have.

Mike O'Brien: Ball in Saddam's court

The UK has stressed the need to tackle Iraq's alleged build-up of weapons of mass destruction.

But senior US figures have spoken of "regime change" being the goal.

In a defiant television address on Thursday, Saddam Hussein said Iraq is ready for dialogue but warned that an attack on his country would be doomed to failure.

The "evil people" threatening Arab and Muslim countries would be left "in the dustbin of history", he said.

On Wednesday, President Bush promised to consult widely before action was taken.

"I promise you that I will be patient, and deliberate, that we will continue to consult with Congress, and of course we'll consult with our friends and allies," he said.

Consult

Those words prompted veteran Labour MP Tam Dalyell to renew his calls for MPs to debate possible military action.

Schroeder has warned of the impact of war

In a letter to the prime minister, Mr Dalyell said:
"Don't you think you ought to give a straightforward undertaking in the next
24 hours that you will follow the United States and consult elected
representatives before participating in an attack on Iraq."

Mr O'Brien, in Libya for historic talks with Muammar Gaddafi, said the ball was in Saddam Hussein's court but allowing weapons inspections would make a difference.

He said: "If international law is complied with, of course the position will then be very different."

Mr O'Brien said a new regime in Baghdad would be "desirable" but getting access for weapons inspectors was the clear goal.

No Saudi support

Iraq's representative in London, Mudhafar Amin, has said the UK could play a "crucial role" in convincing Washington to find a peaceful solution.

Several Labour MPs are concerned over possible action and religious leaders said on Tuesday that war against Iraq would be illegal and immoral.

A further blow to the supporters of military action came as Saudi Arabia said it would not allow US forces to be based in its country.

Germany's Chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, has also warned that an attack on Iraq would harm the war on terrorism.